A research team at ETH Zurich has developed a 3D-printed model of human breast tissue based on cells from breast milk. The aim of the project is to investigate in detail the biological processes of lactation, which are still poorly understood. A volumetric bioprinting process was used, which uses targeted laser exposure to create complex cavity structures within a few seconds – analogous to alveoli and milk ducts in which milk is produced in the breast.
“I had to do a few experiments to find out the best way to get the cells to grow. Many of my colleagues were surprised that milk epithelial cells could grow at all,” says Amelia Hasenauer, PhD student of Prof. Dr. Marcy Zenobi-Wong and first author of the study, which was published in the journal Science Advances at the beginning of June.
The bio-ink used consists of a gel based on bovine extracellular matrix, which is similar in composition to human breast tissue. So-called mammary epithelial cells, which were isolated directly from human breast milk, were introduced into these 3D structures. These cells colonized the inner walls of the printed channels and after a short time began to produce typical milk components such as β-casein and lipid droplets. This proved that the model exhibited functional behavior.
Despite the impressive results, the two researchers emphasize that they are not yet producing breast milk: “We have identified the first components, but milk consists of hundreds of components, including complex sugars, proteins, fats, immune cells and living microorganisms,” says Zenobi-Wong, Professor of Tissue Engineering and Biofabrication.
Hasenauer adds: “Above all, our cell culture model should help us to better understand the formation of breast milk. I now know many women who have had difficulties with breastfeeding. Our model could one day help to find answers.”
The reproducibility of milk production under controlled laboratory conditions opens up new perspectives in lactation research – for example to investigate hormonal influences, the effects of medication or pathological changes.
“Next, we want to increase milk production in the model – this can be controlled using 3D printing,” says Zenobi-Wong.
“There are so many unanswered questions, from endometriosis to mastitis (breast inflammation) and fertility problems,” says Zenobi-Wong. “This all deserves more scientific attention.”
The project is not aimed at producing artificial milk, but at researching basic physiological processes. As the cells are obtained via breast milk rather than invasively, the model also offers advantages in terms of ethical feasibility and accessibility. Future work should specifically increase milk production in the model, whereby the structural parameters can be controlled directly via 3D printing.
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